Lessons from the Bible for relating to people

Nowadays, even practicing Christians are finding it difficult to maintain solid relationships, whether with family, friends or even their spouse.

This is an affront to certain teachings and commandments of God, such as honoring father and mother or even loving your neighbor as yourself.

Lessons from the Bible for your relationship

Conflicts are so worrying that there are people who are ending long-standing friendships or losing relationships with certain family members because of differing political opinions, for example.

This is not a mature, healthy or Christian way of maintaining close relationships. This is because God has taught that we are all brothers and sisters, part of a universal family.

Of course there are conflicts in any kind of relationship, but we need to follow lessons from the Bible in order to have better relationships with people.

Check out the Bible's lessons for relating to people, who may be family members, friends, spouses, church colleagues and others.

1. Restrain your anger

In times of conflict, it is instinctive to want to show all your anger against a situation that is conflicting. However, in Ephesians 4:26 all Christians are recommended to hold their anger in check.

To have healthy relationships as a Christian, when you have a conflict with someone, it's best to wait for the anger to pass before resolving it. This is so as not to make the situation worse, such as ending up fighting or verbalizing aggression that will be difficult to repair later.

2. Help others

In Acts 20:35, it is taught that there is more joy in giving than receiving. This is sound advice for Christians to apply in their everyday relationships. Of course, you can expect help from loved ones in times of need.

However, charity is a very praiseworthy act in God's eyes. This doesn't mean getting involved in charity projects. It means helping your loved ones in times of suffering.

You can pray for someone, offer a shoulder of comfort, offer real Christian advice and much more. It's very important to help people who care about you.

3. Don't be judgmental  

According to 1 Samuel 16:7, God sees people by their hearts. This is very important to apply to your relationships. This is because people fight over different political views, for example. That's not what defines the well-being of a relationship between people.

That's why it's important not to judge, criticize or be prejudiced against certain characteristics of the people with whom you have a relationship. This is a way of loving others too, showing respect, empathy and understanding.  

4. Don't charge others

According to Matthew 7:16, you can recognize a tree only by the fruit it bears. This seems like strange advice for maintaining healthy relationships, but that's exactly what it is. If you can't do a certain thing, there's no point in demanding it of other people.

And even if you find it easier in some aspects of your life, it's not recommended to demand anything from anyone, not even a sudden change. If you're able to forgive easily, for example, it's not recommended that you demand this of other people.

You have to love other people exactly as they are.

5. Don't break people's trust

According to Luke 16:10, you have to be faithful in your relationships. This doesn't just apply to love relationships. One example is when a friend vents to you, and you end up telling other acquaintances about that person's intimacy.

This is not a Christian practice, it is a breach of trust in your friendship. People need to trust you, without betraying you in any way. However, you have to earn that trust through your actions.

6. Be patient in difficult times and share joyful moments

According to Romans 12:12, in interpersonal relationships, you have to be patient in times of trouble (such as conflicts) and share the good times.

The part about getting along in happy times is very easy to practice. However, in times of tribulation, when a friend is having a hard time or you've had a family conflict, it's difficult to wait patiently.

However, the love recommended by God for all your relationships can overcome any problem. You have to be patient and resolve a conflict in a quiet hour.